Live Inferno cover

Live Inferno

Emperor · 2009

150 min · 27 tracks · black metal

A dark, atmospheric live performance merging symphonic elements with the raw intensity of black metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cosmic Keys to My Creations & Times — This track exemplifies the band's intricate blend of melody and aggression, showcasing their signature sound that combines lyrical themes with complex instrumentation.
  • →
    With Strength I Burn — A standout performance that highlights the band's dynamic range, this track features soaring vocals and an intense atmosphere that captivates listeners.
  • →
    I Am the Black Wizards — This classic track resonates deeply with fans, serving as a testament to Emperor's ability to merge darkness with beauty, creating an unforgettable live experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines live energy with symphonic elements, showcasing Emperor's signature style.

What we noticed

  • The setlist includes multiple medleys, creating a continuous flow rather than distinct breaks between songs.
  • The production captures the raw energy of a live performance while enhancing orchestral elements, making the sound both intense and atmospheric.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic ebb and flow experience
  • immersive atmospheric soundscapes
  • cathartic release through intensity
  • headphone detail hunting required
  • two-hour journey of exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification only

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Live Inferno' was released in 2009, Emperor had already solidified their status as pioneers of the black metal genre, having disbanded in 2001 after a series of influential albums. This album captures their first live performances in over a decade, showcasing both classic tracks and deep cuts that reflect their evolution and enduring legacy.
Stylistic neighbors
Dissection· Immortal· Dimmu Borgir

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Infinity Burning (medley) 5:43
  • 2 Cosmic Keys to My Creations & Times 4:40
  • 3 Thus Spake the Nightspirit 4:45
  • 4 An Elegy of Icaros 6:23
  • 5 Curse You All Men! 5:06
  • 6 Wrath of the Tyrant 4:24
  • 7 With Strength I Burn 8:33
  • 8 Towards the Pantheon 5:39
  • 9 The Majesty of the Nightsky 4:48
  • 10 The Loss and Curse of Reverence 6:38
  • 11 In the Wordless Chamber 5:34
  • 12 Inno a Satana 4:58
  • 13 I Am the Black Wizards 5:38
  • 14 Ye Entrancemperium 5:43
  • 15 Opus a Satana 1:13

Disc 2

  • 1 Infinity Burning (medley) 5:58
  • 2 Cosmic Keys to My Creations & Times 4:28
  • 3 Thus Spake the Nightspirit 4:45
  • 4 An Elegy of Icaros 6:11
  • 5 Curse You All Men! 5:17
  • 6 With Strength I Burn 8:29
  • 7 Towards the Pantheon 5:38
  • 8 The Majesty of the Nightsky 4:33
  • 9 The Loss and Curse of Reverence 6:41
  • 10 In the Wordless Chamber 5:53
  • 11 I Am the Black Wizards 6:03
  • 12 Inno a Satana 6:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata